The baseball card collecting hobby has been very popular since the late 1800s and there are certain vintage and modern cards that are regarded as the most desirable among serious collectors. Competition to obtain high-grade specimens of these coveted cards can be fierce, with some examples selling for record-breaking sums at auction. Here is an overview of what many consider to be the top 100 most wanted baseball cards:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – The rarest and most expensive baseball card in existence. Only around 60 are known to exist in varying conditions. Near mint examples have sold for over $3 million.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle – The premier post-war vintage card and one of the most iconic in the hobby. High grades can fetch six figures.

1933 Goudey Babe Ruth – One of the earliest starring cards of the Bambino. Highly scarce in Gem Mint condition and priced accordingly in the mid-six figures range.

1914 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson – A premier card of one of the games’ greatest pitchers. Only approximately 25 are known to exist in all grades.

1909 E90 Sherry Magee – The only known example of this ultra-rare pre-T206 tobacco card. Sold for a record $2.8 million in 2016.

1915 Cracker Jack Joe Jackson – “Shoeless Joe” Jackson’s rare pre-1920 issue card that can demand north of $100,000 for high grades.

1957 Topps Ted Williams – Highly coveted for the retired slugger’s endearing rookie card photo. Near complete sets can sell for over $50,000.

1952 Topps Willie Mays – Iconic rookie card photo of “The Say Hey Kid.” Gems are valued well into five figures.

1963 Topps Sandy Koufax – One of the scarcest modern-day rookie cards owing to the pitcher’s abrupt retirement. Nine figure sum recently paid at auction.

1949 Bowman Sandy Koufax – The Brooklyn Dodger hurler’s true premier rookie card which is exponentially tougher to acquire in top condition.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Iconic shot of the fireballing pitcher. Near complete high-grade sets commanded over $30,000 as of late.

1968 Topps Roberto Clemente – Poignant final issue card released shortly after the Hall of Famer’s tragic death. Higher grades reach five figures.

1955 Topps Roberto Clemente – Alluring rookie card recognized as one of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage designs.

1951 Bowman Willie Mays – The Say Hey Kid’s stunning and elusive debut card that recently traded hands for $360,000 in near pristine condition.

1914 Cracker Jack Walter Johnson – Renowned card of one of history’s most dominant hurlers. Few are known to exist in any grade.

1969 Topps Mike Schmidt – Value peaked a decade ago but still a card that many fans seek out for its prominent close-up shot.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Highly popular for its detailed action photo capturing the Reds’ young catcher. Sets regularly eclipse $10,000.

1969 Topps Jim Palmer – Iconic shot of the storied Oriole. Top graded examples break five figures.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax – The Brooklyn Dodger southpaw’s only true vintage rookie card. Sets cost over $5,000 complete in high grades.

1909 E132 Eddie Plank – Extremely rare post-T206 tobacco issue of the Hall of Fame lefty pitcher. Few are known to exist.

1967 Topps Tom Seaver – Historic front-facing rookie card image of “Tom Terrific.” Complete high-end sets fetch over $20,000.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle – Marvelous color photograph highlights arguably the most prized post-war Mantle issue.

1967 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Idyllic action shot capturing the Red Sox great’s impressive swing. Sets exceed $10,000 in top shape.

1962 Topps Willie Mays – Iconic “basket catch” pose widely considered one of the hobby’s most visually striking cards.

1956 Topps Don Larsen – Game 6 of the 1956 World Series perfect game hero featured on this revered card.

1971 Topps Johnny Bench – Renowned image displaying the two-time MVP’s formidable catching skills. Near sets surpass $15,000.

1959 Topps Roberto Clemente – Alluring portrait captures the charismatic star’s early Pirates tenure. Higher grades reach $3,000+.

1969 Topps Johnny Bench – Resembling a candid press photo, this captivating issue ranks among the catcher’s most acclaimed.

1952 Topps Stan Musial – Beloved image highlighting “Stan the Man’s” graceful batting form. Complete vintage sets climb well above $5,000.

1969 Topps Tom Seaver – Stellar action shot of the incipient Mets ace’s underhand delivery. Graded gems exceed $2,000.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron – Marvelous depiction of the future home run king’s smooth left-handed swing. Values steadily appreciate.

1961 Topps Roger Maris – Iconic image displays the one-season HR record holder following his epic ’61 campaign. Higher grades reach $2,000.

1957 Topps Mickey Mantle – Dynamic photograph captures the switch-hitting slugger unleashing a mighty cut. Sets cost over $5,000 complete in top quality.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Captivating portrait perfectly encapsulates the phenom catcher’s gritty on-field demeanor. Near complete mint sets eclipse $20,000.

1961 Topps Willie Mays – Admired photograph spotlights the Say Hey Kid rounding third base. Complete sets gain over $4,000.

1956 Topps Mickey Mantle – Beloved action shot highlights the Yankee Clipper’s legendary speed and defensive skills. Graded gems exceed $2,000.

1967 Topps Bob Gibson – Indelible image portrays the intimidating Cardinal flamethrower in mid-delivery. Near complete sets cross $15,000.

1972 Topps Johnny Bench – Renowned close-up mirrors his regal ’71 issue. Near complete mid-grade sets top $10,000.

1970 Topps Rod Carew – Admired depiction shows the Twins’ leadoff hitter exhibiting pure batting form. Top graded examples near $1,000.

1957 Topps Brooks Robinson – Iconic early portray of the defensive wizard highlights his renown skills at third. Values steadily climb.

1958 Topps Willie Mays – Iconic photograph features the Say Hey Kid taking an authoritative lead off first base. High grades approach $3,000.

1956 Topps Don Drysdale – Alluring action shot depicts the dominating Dodger hurler stretching to field a comebacker. Near complete sets gain over $6,000.

1968 Topps Johnny Bench – Portrait pays homage to the Reds’ premier catcher’s magnificent skills behind the dish. Values remain strong.

1955 Topps Sandy Koufax – Admired image shows the Brooklyn Dodgers southpaw hurling a fastball. Near pristine copies exceed $5,000.

1954 Topps Willie Mays – Captivating rookie card photograph spotlights the budding Giants superstar swinging away. Graded gems cross $3,000.

1968 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Beloved close-up portrays the Red Sox icon in batting practice. Near complete sets eclipse $10,000.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan – Alluring action captures the flamethrowing Astros rookie unleashing a blazing heater. Top grades hit four figures.

1956 Topps Mel Ott – Renowned image captures the Giants legend in a thoughtful pose. Complete sets near $6,000 in top shape.

1964 Topps Sandy Koufax – Admired portrait highlights the Dodgers ace’s intimidating competitive aura. Graded gems exceed $1,500.

1971 Topps Reggie Jackson – Preeminent rookie card photograph spotlights the future Yankee slugger’s formidable swing. Mid-grade sets gain over $4,000.

1970 Topps Johnny Bench – Striking action shot captures the ascending Reds star catching in a tense moment. Top grades near $2,000.

1969 Topps Tom Seaver – Admired front-facing portrait captures Mets fans’ hope for the future. Near pristine copies eclipse $2,000.

1970 Topps Carl Yastrzemski – Iconic depiction highlights the aging Red Sox star’s persistent hitting form. Sets gain over $10,000 complete and top-graded.

1955 Topps Willie Mays – Charming rookie card photograph captures the burgeoning Giants centerfielder. Near complete sets gain over $5,000.

1959 Topps Hank Aaron – Dynamic image portrays the Braves superstar-in-waiting swinging away at home plate. Sets near $5,